Up, Up, and Away – To Roger’s Ledge

Was I crazy or what? It was a spectacular day in late September and something was calling me to hike to Roger’s Ledge, a trail starting from South Pond Recreation Area in the northernmost portion of the White Mountain National Forest near Stark NH. While driving north, the foliage turned from good, to better, to spectacular and I was kicking myself for choosing to drive even further north where the foliage would be past peak for sure.

I had been to the area before on a short hike to Devil’s Hopyard. Today I would be continuing another 3+ miles to the Ledge, making this an 8-mile round-trip.

Just the promise of foliage to come

The foliage was OK but nothing spectacular. I had missed my chance!

The yellows were still looking pretty nice

The trail, actually the Kilkenny Ridge Trail, is a long, gentle uphill climb, gaining 1800 feet or so to the Ledge. But because of the length of the trail, and thanks to the trail being 100% ascending, it didn’t feel tiring at all.

The view towards the south and the Presidential Range was awesome!

Finally, I reached the Ledge and suddenly I knew what had been drawing me here. The views towards the south, with the Pilot Range in the foreground and the Presidentials in the distance, were amazing. Even better, the colors were peaking in that direction.

Deer Mountain to the southeast

The colors seemed better on the way back

So if you’re looking for a rewarding hike, not too strenuous and with a great view, consider Roger’s Ledge.

South Pond. Even more inviting after the hike.

What’s more, if the weather’s right, you can cool off in South Pond when you’re all done.

The mountains in Nash Stream Forest, just to the north of Stark, NH

The Percy Peaks at sunset

Capping off this marvelous day was a marvelous sunset as I started my journey home. Happy travels!